Camp Observer1 of 9 photos
Julian Price Campground
Notice
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The shower house will be closed in 2026. The dump station and water filling station will be open for the season. There will not be any first come, first served camping at Julian Price Park Campground in 2026.
May 19, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026
Overview
Located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the lush green expanses of North Carolina, Julian Price Campground is a top destination for boating, hiking, fishing and more. Whether it's for a family camping excursion or a peaceful getaway, this campground has something for everyone.
Recreation
Canoe rentals are available at Price Lake, and other types of non-motorized boats are permitted. Fishing is also available at the lake, with a dock provided.
Price Lake Trail offers a refreshing hike around the edge of the water, and the Boone Fork, Green Knob and Tanawha Trails are just a few of the trails that are conveniently accessed through the campground.
Hebron Falls: A small waterfall accessed from the Boone Fork Trail.
The Cascades: A beautiful waterfall accessed by the easy 1-mile loop Cascades Trail. A great hike for children.
Moses Cone Flat Top Manor: A historic estate house (currently undergoing restoration) once owned by the Cone family. The grounds offer 25 miles of carriage roads to hike. Tours of the home are available. Currently houses the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
Wildlife viewing is also popular as campers have a good chance of spotting bears, grouse, turkeys, owls, hawks and more.
Facilities
Julian Price Campground combines the traditional great outdoors experience with the modern conveniences of flush toilets, dump station, and drinking water. Both RV and tent sites are available, and are equipped with grills, picnic tables, and lantern poles. In addition to the 75 sites available for advance reservations, 115 sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Availability for first come, first served sites cannot be tracked through Recreation.gov. These sites must be booked in person at the campground kiosk.
Primitive Backcountry Camping is available at Johns River Road. Permits are required and can be obtained on www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 only. Permits are not distributed at the park.
Natural Features
Julian Price Campground is adjacent to Price Lake, a pristine body of water that sparkles against the backdrop of rolling Carolina hills.The surrounding forest offers hemlock, white pine, oak, hickory and birch trees, along with a colorful assortment of wildflowers in the spring and an array of vivid orange and red foliage displays in autumn.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (828) 963-5911.Nearby Attractions
The beautiful town of Blowing Rock, located just 20 minutes away on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers fine dining, shopping and more.
Camp site features
Across 192 camp sites:
- Picnic table: 184 of 192 sites
- Pets allowed: all 192 sites
- ADA accessible: 6 of 192 sites
- Longest rig: 92 ft
- Largest party: 6 people
Directions
From Asheville, North Carolina, head east on I-40 E for approximately 20 miles
to exit 72 for US-70E. At the top of the exit ramp, continue straight onto
US-70 E and drive for 11 miles to the intersection with US-221 N. Turn left
(north) onto US-221 N and continue for 21.6 miles. At the sign for the Blue
Ridge Parkway, turn right onto the connector road. At the stop sign marking
the intersection with the Parkway, turn left (north) and drive for
approximately 22 miles until you see the Campground Registration Kiosk on the
left side of the road. From Boone, North Carolina, head south onto US-321 S
and drive for 6.3 miles. At the sign for the Blue Ridge Parkway, turn right
onto the connector road. At the stop sign marking the intersection with the
Parkway, turn left (south) and drive for 4.4 miles until you see the
campground on the right. From Blowing Rock, North Carolina, take Main Street
until you reach the intersection with US-221 S. Turn south onto US-221 S and
drive for 1.6 miles. At the sign for the Blue Ridge Parkway, turn right onto
the connector road. At the stop sign marking the intersection with the
Parkway, turn left (south) and drive approximately 2 miles until you see the
campground on the right.
Stay Limit
Check in from 3 PM, check out by 12 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (482)
5 stars
273
4 stars
131
3 stars
43
2 stars
20
1 stars
15
Evan M
Loop:Loop A
Site:A24
Reviewed 4 days ago
We came from Florida for our first family camping trip, our kids are 5 and 7. Upon arrival we were struck by the views of the lake from our site and loved the tranquility of the area...minus the chainsaw sounds from the surrounding work being done on trees. Though that was not enough to deter a great atmosphere on the campground itself. While we didn't take a kayak out on the lake we appreciated that they also sold firewood there for less than what you can get it for in Boone.
Overall the experience was great and I would recommend anyone who wants a beautiful location with good amenities to stay here.
Chris W
Loop:Loop A
Site:A33
Reviewed 6 days ago
Rain let up and the sun came out. Beautiful lake, paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes for rent or bring your own. The only reason it wasn’t a 5 star is the facilities.
Brenna V
Loop:Loop A
Site:A28
Reviewed 6 days ago
Wonderfully kept spot, beautiful scenery and great trail access. Felt very safe as a solo female traveler.
Cecelia V
Loop:Loop A
Site:A29
Reviewed 11 days ago
Well maintained campsite with lots of activities close by. Very beautiful and quiet. Julian price lake loop trail goes right through the campsite so hikers pass by throughout the day.
Richard M
Loop:Loop A
Site:A15
Reviewed 12 days ago
We loved our stay at Julian Price Campground even though we had very heavy rain one night and our tent leaked. It was very quiet and peaceful and we had a great time fishing. The park attendant, a young lady named Rose, was so helpful . We look forward to returning in the future.
Laurie B
Loop:Loop A
Site:A28
Reviewed 14 days ago
Neat, clean, tidy campground. More open and visible to neighbors than other campgrounds on Blue Ridge Parkway - no trees between campsites. Pleasant walking trail to the lake shore for serene views. One detail to note: several sites are "buddy sites" and the two vehicles would park immediately side-by-side in the allotted parking spot. For car campers or those with a reactive / alert dog it's simply too close for comfort. I didn't see that detail on the reservation page, be sure to check if personal space is important to you. Special mention of the Ranger on duty when I checked in, super personable and relatable. Answered all questions and solved concerns.
Eleanor T
Loop:Loop A
Site:A25
Reviewed 18 days ago
Such a beautiful, clean, peaceful campground. Had a solo get away with my dogs and came across this spot and I am absolutely in love!!
Brian C
Loop:Loop A
Site:A12
Reviewed 25 days ago
Nice clean and quiet with a beautiful lake with kayak and canoe rentals.
Marshall L
Loop:Loop A
Site:A19
Reviewed a month ago
Great view of the lake. Parking spot was a ways from the campsite. Then pad was too small for our 10x14ft tent, but we were able to find another place for it.
Stephen P
Loop:Loop A
Site:A01
Reviewed a month ago
I thoroughly enjoyed site A01. Good privacy and separation from other sites, especially compared to many of the other sites in the A loop. The bathrooms aren't nice, but they served their purpose. The showers were closed, but I brought my own shower tent and sprayer, so that worked out. Kayaking around Price Lake and its tributaries (~80 mins) and hiking the Boone Fork Loop Trail (~3 hrs) were both fantastic. The latter featured amazing rock formations and lots of waterfalls (esp. Lebron Falls and Hebron Falls), rendered all the more striking because of recent rain storms. Cell reception is minimal at this campground but there's public wifi at both the registration building and the boat rental shack.
Jimmie C
Loop:Loop A
Site:A08
Reviewed a month ago
This site is listed as suitable for RV or tents. It is actually a shared site, on short drive, tables and fire pits too close to the parking for RV. Two RVs don't fit in the site, and you booked two Rvs for the site. washroom falling apart, rangers surly. The rates are cheap, so people are booking the best sites for long periods, then not showing up. Three of the best sites were booked for the same time we were there, and for 3 days these sites are empty. Need a policy change where no shows get canceled after a night. fire ring not anchored properly.
Michael W
Loop:Loop A
Site:A08
Reviewed a month ago
Nice camping spaces next to the lake. Tent sites are level. The are still cleaning up since hurricane Helene almost of th campground is not accessible. Nice lake area with canoe and kayak rentals. Or bring your own.
Melissa B
Loop:Loop A
Site:A11
Reviewed a month ago
I've lost 2 camping nights due to the construction on the parkway and the tropical storm that passed through last week. I am a regular camper at Price and I would love to get a raincheck for those 2 nights. I love this place but the ongoing construction this year has been an issue for getting there and is not adequately explained when making the reservations. I also understand that the tree work on the rest of the campground will begin in July and am currently unaware if this will impact my July reservations.
Robert F
Loop:Loop A
Site:A10
Reviewed a month ago
There is a great view of lake at site A10, but no level area to pitch tent. Also when facing the lake, in the wooded area to the left, some horrible, lazy subhuman set up a portable toilet . Apparently walking 50 yards to the restroom was too much, so they set up an area to defecate next to lake and leave baby wipes and TP. Also campers at A9 felt the need to throw their food into the lake while I was fishing with my 6yo son 10 yards from us. As a local, just trying to enjoy a simple overnight with my son, it's infuriating.
Marlin K
Loop:Loop A
Site:A10
Reviewed a month ago
Camped 2 nights at lakeside site A10. Very nice! Would have given 5 stars if the showers were available. Hopefully the entire campground will be cleaned up and open next year.
Barbara A
Loop:Loop A
Site:A31
Reviewed a month ago
Quiet campground. RV spaces are parallel to the road, which I don't prefer as I worry someone will hit my slide. Staff very nice. They offer kayak rental.
Noah G
Loop:Loop A
Site:A02
Reviewed a month ago
I booked a spot here only a day in advance and slept in my car. Campsite was clean and had a nice fire pit with a grate on it. Not sure where the bathrooms were at.
Joni B
Loop:Loop A
Site:A19
Reviewed a month ago
We believe that we rented the best side in Loop A; #19. Large, private, clear view of the lake. Bathrooms were cleaned every morning. We didn't do much hiking because of the rainy day but the walk around the lake is relaxing and beautiful. Hoping that the upper loops will reopen sooner rather than later.
Bradley E
Loop:Loop A
Site:A18
Reviewed a month ago
Lots of empty spots while the website was showing almost everything was booked.
REBECCA B
Loop:Loop A
Site:A33
Reviewed a month ago
With the Blue Ridge Parkway being closed in spots, it was a little less convenient to get to a few locations, but the campground itself was clean and quiet. The spots are fairly close together. The bathrooms could use some updating, but they did what they needed to do. I didn't get cell service, but at the check-in station you can connect to their wifi, so we could use navigation.
Teagan H
Loop:Loop A
Site:A27
Reviewed a month ago
Super great campsite, I just wish there was a slightly closer comfort station. Otherwise, it's kind of just camping, so I really didn't mind the walk
Carol E
Loop:Loop A
Site:A25
Reviewed 2 months ago
We enjoyed such a peaceful three nights recently while tent camping. Everything we thought it would be and more. Unplugging and getting back to the basics. We've already made another reservation to stay again!!
William B
Loop:Loop A
Site:A22
Reviewed 2 months ago
Best camping place in the region. Still coming back from Helene, but it'll get there.
Terry J
Loop:Loop A
Site:A28
Reviewed 2 months ago
Nice place, small sites, nice trail around lake, wish the BR had showers
nancy s
Loop:Loop A
Site:A16
Reviewed 2 months ago
The site we reserved is a beautiful site on the lake. Besides getting rained out for part of our stay, and retreating to a hotel room in Blowing Rock, we enjoyed the peacefulness of the campground. It is an easy access to the 3.5-mile hike around Price Lake and walking to the kayak rental. We like this camping here because it is close to our favorite hiking trails, like Beacon Heights and running into the quaint town of Blowing Rock for dinner out and shopping. I miss having a bathhouse though, it is unfortunate that they cannot get the financial help the need to get the rest of this wonderful campground fully open and operational.
June S
Loop:Loop A
Site:A31
Reviewed 2 months ago
We love A30. It is so quiet and peaceful at night and great hiking around the area. They were working on paving the parkway but we got in and out without any issues. The park rangers were helpful and so very nice.
Angelika J
Loop:Loop A
Site:A06
Reviewed 2 months ago
The weather didn’t really cooperate while we were there, but that’s the only reason we didn’t have an excellent time. The lake and surrounding trails offer plenty of opportunities for fun.
Jill J
Loop:Loop A
Site:A04
Reviewed 2 months ago
The tent sites driveway is shared with another camper; way too close. Also, it was a step down and down a small depression to reach a tent pad and picnic table. Inconvenient in the rainstorm. I won’t camp here again.
Bev A
Loop:Loop A
Site:A11
Reviewed 8 months ago
We had a great time at Julian Price Campground in August. The campground had just opened a few weeks before. We were so appreciative of the effort others made to help this to happen. We live along a creek that flooded during Hurricane Ida. We know cleanup is laborious and takes months (to years) to recover. We had a site along the lake and enjoyed the accessibility for paddling. The bathhouse is old, more importantly it was clean. All staff we encountered were very friendly.
Tamara S
Loop:Loop A
Site:A04
Reviewed 8 months ago
This campground was ravaged by Hurricane Helene in the fall of '24. While it is not up to the same presentation as before the storm, and some facilities were still closed when I was there in August, they've done an amazing job cleaning up and opening as much as they could. Do check what is open/closed as these are changing as more time passes.
ted m
Loop:Loop A
Site:A31
Reviewed 8 months ago
Finish cleaning up storm damage open up the rest of the camp ground. Julian campground is to pretty to let go.
Deana M
Loop:Loop A
Site:A17
Reviewed 9 months ago
We love it at Julian Price campground. Always our favorite spots, whether in spring summer or fall always beautiful and relaxing.
Monica M
Loop:Loop A
Site:A31
Reviewed 9 months ago
This was a great campground that will be better once the storm damage has been cleared and the whole area is reopened. The sites in Loop A by the lake were open and sunny but therefore not private. Other loops look to be more woodsy and private. Staff went above and beyond to make you feel welcome!
Cris K
Loop:Loop A
Site:A19
Reviewed 9 months ago
Clean campground, very nice and helpful campground hosts!
Michael O
Loop:Loop A
Site:A15
Reviewed 9 months ago
Very friendly and helpful camp hosts.
It’s a small campground with tight parking spaces. Lots of generators going.
Convenient to lots of hiking trails.
Debra V
Loop:Loop A
Site:A28
Reviewed 9 months ago
My site was in the middle of a field which received sunlight all day- no shade - no other camping spots so I went home
Amy C
Loop:Loop A
Site:A11
Reviewed 9 months ago
The lake was very nice, our site was level, the check-in process was easy, bathrooms were clean, and being right on the Parkway was excellent. We liked out site (A11 Loop A), but I did see a few sites that I would not have wanted. So I would do a little research on which site you get.
nancy s
Loop:Loop A
Site:A19
Reviewed 9 months ago
I was so happy Julian Price Campground was finally able to partially reopen this fall after Hurricane Helene devastated it. I love the sites right on the lake, but they are all great. Hopefully by next year the rest of the campground will be reopened, along with the bathhouses.
Anne B
Loop:Loop A
Site:A31
Reviewed 9 months ago
So happy to have some of the camping reopen. Hopefully the bath house in section A will be replaced and include a dishwashing sink. Thanks to the volunteers who did the storm recovery.
Peter W
Loop:Loop A
Site:A26
Reviewed 9 months ago
always enjoy camping here and can tell lots of cleanup was done after the storm. Some of the camp sites on A loop are very close to each other, tent spots particularly and lack of space/privacy.
Stephanie W
Loop:Loop A
Site:A05
Reviewed 9 months ago
Excellent experience creating wonderful memories. The people renting kayaks and canoes are awesome, friendly and so helpful! So much to do here!
Kristin C
Loop:Loop A
Site:A02
Reviewed 9 months ago
Our spot on Loop A (#2) was great for two small tents. We had partial privacy as we were right on the loop trail path. The trees nearby were perfect for hammocks. The views were incredible and the grounds are coming along from last year’s storm. Thankful to spend time in nature. Be prepared for a more rugged experience until the shower houses are restored.
Paul M
Loop:Loop A
Site:A31
Reviewed 9 months ago
We only stayed one night at Julian Price State Park so we didn't get to experience much of the campground. Our site was nice and pretty close to level. The "comfort station", i.e., the restrooms, were old and dated and needed a fresh coat of paint.
Allen R
Loop:Loop A
Site:A03
Reviewed 9 months ago
Good campground, hiking around lake, and convenience near Blowing Rock, Boone, and Grandfather mountain
Popularity
Quiet · 24%
Busiest in July, when about 24% of sites are booked. Based on 11 years of reservations.
Location
Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: 828-963-5911 (MAY - OCTOBER)
Email: blri_campgrounds@nps.gov
